Bicycles mopeds and signals — Minnesota Permit Test

A bicycle rider stopped at a light that will not detect them may go through the intersection after a reasonable time.

Some signal loops cannot see a bicycle, and without the rule the rider waits forever.

you can proceed through the intersection after a reasonable amount of time if: ■ The bicycle has come to a complete stop. ■ The traffic signal shows a red light for an unreasonable time. ■ The traffic signal appears to be malfunctioning or fails to detect the bicycle. ■ No vehicle or person is approaching the roadway to be crossed or entered. ■ Approaching vehicles or persons are far enough away to not pose an immediate hazard.

The rider must have come to a complete stop and be sure no vehicle or person is close enough to be a hazard.

The allowance is for a signal that failed, not for riding through a red light that works.

The bicycle has come to a complete stop.

This defense applies only to entering a red-lit intersection and does not cover other civil or criminal actions.

It excuses one specific thing, and nothing else that happens at that intersection.

This defense only applies to violations for entering or crossing an intersection controlled by a red light and does not defend against other civil or criminal actions.

A motorized bicycle is a moped, defined by a speed capacity of 30 mph or less.

The definition is the speed it can reach, which is what decides where it is allowed to go.

A “motorized bicycle” is a moped and is defined by its speed capacity, which is 30 mph or less.

Motorized bicycles are not allowed on sidewalks, freeways, or lanes and trails meant for pedestrians and bicycles.

It is too fast for a trail and too slow for a freeway, so it belongs on ordinary roads.

Motorized bicycles are not allowed on sidewalks, freeways, or lanes and trails designated for pedestrians and bicycles.

Electric-assist bicycles follow the rules of the road for bicycles, while mopeds have a gas engine and different rules.

The motor is the difference: a pedal-assist motor keeps it a bicycle, a gas engine does not.

Electric-assist bicycles are considered bicycles regarding rules of the road and where they may operate.

What may a bicycle rider do at a light that does not detect them?

Proceed after a reasonable time. Some signal loops cannot see a bicycle, and without the rule the rider waits forever. Minnesota Driver’s Manual, p.49: “you can proceed through the intersection after a reasonable amount of time if: ■ The bicycle has come to a complete stop. ■ The traffic signal shows a red light for an unreasonable time. ■ The traffic signal appears to be malfunctioning or fails to detect the bicycle. ■ No vehicle or person is approaching the roadway to be crossed or entered. ■ Approaching vehicles or persons are far enough away to not pose an immediate hazard.”